Knot in the Wood or a Fill?

[zeedoctorae]

Greetings Gents. So, I just purchased a beautiful Peterson Fermoy (5) fishtail for $108 from smokingpipes.com. I am extremely happy with it. However, I have discovered a slight blemish on it that probably shouldn't even bother me. When looked at in the right light and if you run your finger over it very slowly, you can just tell it is a bit raised. My questions for all of you is: knot in the wood or a fill? Any help would be most appreciated. You can see the black spot I am talking about in the picture below. Thanks for any help!

Edited by jvnshr: Title capitalization.

 

[cortezattic]

It could be a mineral inclusion. IMO, it's too irregular to be a knot, and too poor a color match to be a fill.

 

[mso489]

Because of the swirling grain texture, I'd lean toward calling this a knot. Unless it goes through and starts a process in the chamber, I'd count it as a nice embellishment, but my perfectionism is faulty and needs ...a fill.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Looks like something got in the glaze as it was drying.

 

[zeedoctorae]

Thanks for your replies. This picture is really zoomed in. There is another slightly smaller mark (just out of screen shot) very similar to this one but it isn't raised at all. This is why I initially thought it was a knot.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I would contact SPC. They will likely replace it.

 

[mayfair70]

I like Cortez's assessment. I'd say an inclusion which has been incorporated into the wood. A knot. If you like the pipe, keep it. I really don't think it will have any ill effects upon smoking. Besides, it is a good conversation piece for those who are interested in such things. A young lady in a bar may have a different reaction than a pipe club member to the question, "Does this look like a knot to you?" I think it looks fine and adds character.
PS - Love your avatar!!

 

[zeedoctorae]

Here is a pic of the whole pipe. You can see there is a similar marking below which is almost certainly a swirl in the wood. Cant feel it at all. Does this alter anyones opinion?
PS- Thanks mayfair!

 

[mawnansmiff]

Does briar have knots? A knot in a piece of wood is the scar left behind after a twig or branch has been cut off...briar has neither twigs nor branches.
Just my tuppence worth.
Regards,
Jay.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Does briar have knots? A knot in a piece of wood is the scar left behind after a twig or branch has been cut off...briar has neither twigs nor branches.

It can if suckers or new trunks begin to grow from it.

 

[mawnansmiff]

Well I never! That's amazing Duane, thanks for posting it :clap:
Regards,
Jay.

 

[mcitinner1]

Just from the photos, the appearance doesn't seem unattractive enough that I would personally send it back. Kind of has it's own unique character.

 

[kodos44]

That's a really nice looking pipe there! I know you really want to know about the spots but man, if it smokes as good as it looks that's a winner!

 

[zeedoctorae]

Thanks Gents. I am definitely going to keep it. Maybe I'll call it Gorbachev.

 

[mcitinner1]

:clap: There you go.

 

[mikethompson]

I'll just add my two cents here that makes for a unique pipe really
Kind of like swirls of colour in a granite counter top.